Key Takeaways
- Apple ordered to pay $634 million (₹5,620 crore) to Masimo for patent infringement
- Jury found Apple Watch’s blood oxygen feature violated Masimo’s pulse oximeter patent
- Case involved 43 million Apple Watch units sold with the disputed technology
- Apple plans to appeal the verdict, calling the patent “expired and outdated”
A federal jury has delivered a massive blow to Apple, ordering the tech giant to pay $634 million (approximately ₹5,620 crore) to medical technology firm Masimo for patent infringement related to the Apple Watch’s blood oxygen monitoring feature.
Patent Infringement Details
The jury determined that Apple violated Masimo’s U.S. Patent No. 10,433,776, which covers low-power pulse oximeter technology designed to measure blood oxygen levels without significant battery drain. Although the patent expired in 2022, the case covered 43 million Apple Watch units sold with the contested feature.
A critical finding was that the Apple Watch qualifies as a “patient monitor” under Masimo’s patent definition. Apple had argued its device was merely a consumer wearable with intermittent health checks, but Masimo successfully demonstrated the watch’s continuous monitoring capabilities through its high heart rate alert system with 95% sensitivity detection.
Apple’s Response and Appeal Plans
Apple has announced it will appeal the verdict, describing the case as “based on expired, decades-old technology.” The company told Reuters: “Masimo has sued Apple in multiple courts and asserted over 25 patents, the majority of which have been found invalid. The single patent in this case expired in 2022 and relates to historic patient monitoring technology.”
The damage amounts presented during trial showed stark differences: Apple suggested $3-6 million while Masimo sought $634-749 million. The jury ultimately sided with Masimo’s valuation.
Broader Legal Context
This ruling represents just one battle in an ongoing global war between the two companies. A separate dispute at the U.S. International Trade Commission has previously resulted in temporary Apple Watch sales bans over similar technology claims.
The verdict signals growing challenges for Apple as health technologies become increasingly central to its wearables strategy. If upheld on appeal, this decision could force Apple to redesign future health-tracking features that form the cornerstone of its wellness device ecosystem.
